Introduction: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may represent an important model of lipid alterations. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has emerged as a new marker of cardiovascular risk.
Aim: The main objective of this meta-analysis was to analyze the available evidence on Lp(a) levels in patients with PCOS compared to a control group.
Methods: This meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed to detect studies that have quantified Lp(a) levels in women with PCOS compared to a control group. The primary outcome was Lp(a) levels expressed in mg/dL. Random effects models were used.
Results: Twenty-three observational studies including 2,337 patients were identified and considered eligible for this meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, the quantitative analysis showed that patients with PCOS have a higher Lp(a) levels (SMD: 1.1 [95% CI: 0.7 to 1.4]; I2=93%) compared to the control group. The results were similar in the analysis of the subgroups of patients according to body mass index (normal weight group: SMD: 1.2 [95% CI: 0.5 to 1.9], I2=95%; overweight group: SMD: 1.2 [95% CI: 0.5 to 1.8], I2=89%). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.
Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that women with PCOS had higher levels of Lp(a) compared to healthy women used as a control group. These findings were observed in both overweight and non-overweight women.
Keywords: Lipoprotein(a); Meta-analysis; Overweight; Polycystic ovary syndrome.
© 2023. Italian Society of Hypertension.